King Charles has been praised for delivering a masterclass in soft diplomacy after navigating a potentially tense encounter with US President Donald Trump during a state visit to the United States. The visit, which marked America's 250th anniversary, resulted in Trump removing a tariff on a significant UK import and describing the monarch as "the greatest king in my book."
Navigating Political Tensions
The visit was billed as the most important of King Charles's reign so far, coming after Trump heavily criticised Prime Minister Keir Starmer for the UK's role in the war in Iran. Trump bluntly stated, "When we asked them for help, they were not there. When we needed them, they were not there."
Former royal editor Duncan Larcombe told the Mirror that the four-day visit was an "absolute triumph" for the monarch. "He had the best part of 70 years practising for this, but this was the moment that put him under pressure," Larcombe said.
"He was walking into a minefield, but he's used his experience and his wisdom to negotiate his way through that minefield. I think it's been King Charles at his absolute best. How difficult is it for King Charles to go to America when the President is clearly at war with his own PM? And yet, he nailed it. I think the Palace will consider it an absolute triumph."
Trump's Comments and Royal Neutrality
The British monarchy is expected to remain politically neutral, but Trump made several statements about the King and the war in Iran. After Charles delivered an important speech to the US Congress arguing for a strong NATO and help for Ukraine, Trump told delegates at the Oval Office that the King "would have probably helped us with Iran."
Duncan added: "Donald Trump has been trying to drag the King into this huge row over the war in Iran. But that just shows the ignorance of Trump - that he thinks he can pull the royal family into making political statements."
The State Visit Itinerary
The royal couple's itinerary included a day in New York, where they attended an event celebrating the work of the King's Trust and showcasing the UK's cultural impact on the city. Queen Camilla visited the New York Public Library to highlight her book club, The Queen's Reading Room, with guests including actress Sarah Jessica Parker. She also visited a farm in Virginia to learn about America's horseracing industry.
Tariff Removal on Scottish Whisky
Shortly after the visit ended, Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that he was removing tariffs on Scottish whisky, saying "people have wanted to do this for a long time" and that the King and Queen "got me to do something that nobody else was able to do without hardly even asking!"
The Scottish and UK governments had been lobbying the Republicans to end the 10% tariffs on the industry, as the US is the single biggest market for Scotland's whisky.
A statement from Buckingham Palace said: "The King has been informed of President Trump's warm gesture and sends his sincere gratitude for a decision that will make an important difference to the British whisky industry and the livelihoods it supports. His Majesty will be raising a dram to the President's thoughtfulness and generous hospitality as he departs the US after a most enjoyable State Visit for both Their Majesties in this special anniversary year."
